Here’s a look at today’s news:

At the most recent Town of Silver City Town Meeting, Cissy McAndrew, President of the Silver City Regional Association of Realtors, gave a report about real estate activity in the area. According to the data, she reported that properties were on the market an average of 119 days in 2018 from an average of 199 days in 2017. In addition, reports show that although vacant buildings are being occupied, there is a shortage of trade professionals to improve these properties. Town Manager, Alex Brown, announced during the meeting that the town is accepting applications for police chief and hopes to have a selection finalized by mid-March.

The Silver City Library will be offering free technology learning opportunities starting this month and occurring regularly through April. The WNMU Adult Education Services will lead basic workshops on how to safely use the internet, professionally use email, and how to use Microsoft Word and Excel. Participants can also bring their own laptops or mobile devices for troubleshooting help. According to Lillian Galloway, programming and outreach librarian, “The sessions are particularly great opportunities for job-seekers wanting to boost their skills and entrepreneurs who want to harness technology for their businesses.” Class schedules are available online at silvercitylibrary.org.

Luna County’s choice to take over the position as County Manager, Bruce Swingle, has declined to accept the position just days after accepting contract details with Luna County Commissioners. The anticipated start date for Swingle was February 11th with a starting salary of $125,000. In a letter addressed to the commission, Swingle indicated he wished to resign citing that it was not the best time to leave his current position as Sierra County Manager. The Luna County Commission has scheduled a special meeting this Friday at the Luna County courthouse located at 700 S. Silver Avenue in Deming at 10:00 A.M. to discuss how to proceed in moving forward. Swingle, was one of 19 candidates that applied for the position.

The Kiwanis Club of Silver City honored the Kiwanis Students of the Month at a luncheon prepared by the Silver City and Georgetown chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star held at the Silver City Masonic Lodge yesterday. School educators and family members joined the Kiwanians in listening to a short presentation from each student, who was then awarded a special certificate and other Student of the Month program items. This Kiwanis youth leadership presentation honors students that strive to earn the best grades and demonstrate superior leadership and good character roles in their respective schools. The students honored are as follows: Yureau Rice of Aldo Leopold Middle School; Davasia Sifuentes of Snell Middle School; Gayla Lacy of Aldo Leopold High School; Davis Atwater of Silver High School, the December recipient and Cole Rogers, the January recipient; Jacob Maes of La Plata Middle School; and Brianna Martinez of Cobre High School. Congratulations, students!